Iran’s Ahmadinejad returns to work after 'boycott'

Teheran, 03 May – (ANA) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has ended a boycott of his official duties by chairing a cabinet meeting, Iranian media say.

Mr Ahmadinejad had not been seen at work for more than a week, amid reports of a rift with the supreme leader.

The confrontation came to light after supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei rejected the dismissal of Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi last month.

Conservatives MP had put pressure on Mr Ahmadinejad to resume his duties.

Tensions between supporters of the president and of Ayatollah Khamenei came to a head on 17 April when the intelligence minister, a conservative, was forced to resign.

Mr Moslehi was promptly re-instated by the supreme leader.

Mr Ahmadinejad then stayed away from official work. He was not seen in public, missed two cabinet meetings and cancelled a visit to the holy city of Qom.

On Saturday, it was reported that a letter signed by nearly 300 MPs had urged Mr Ahmadinejad to resume his duties and respect Ayatollah Khamenei's decision.

Fars news agency says a group of conservative lawmakers met Mr Ahmadinejad on Saturday, and quotes them as saying that the president had renewed his allegiance to Ayatollah Khamenei. (ANA)

FA/ANA/03 May 2011---------